Intern in the Gaia OPS-SAT Mission Operations Unit, Mission Operations Department

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Intern in the Gaia OPS-SAT Mission Operations Unit, Mission Operations Department
Location: Darmstadt
Country: Germany
Deadline Date: 30 November 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff across various locations in Europe. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA operates in multiple countries and collaborates with various international space agencies and organizations to conduct scientific research, develop new technologies, and promote the peaceful use of outer space.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, within the Directorate of Operations. The intern will work under the direct authority of the Head of the Mission Operations Department, specifically supporting the Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Missions Division. This division is responsible for the ground segment and mission operations implementation for ESA scientific missions that do not venture into interplanetary space. The intern will engage in the OPS-SAT Space Lab project, which allows external experimenters to develop and execute their software in space. The role involves direct interaction with experimenters, assisting them in familiarizing themselves with the OPS-SAT onboard environment, and supervising tests on the spacecraft. This internship provides exposure to mission control operations and collaboration with various institutions and companies involved in space missions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's primary responsibilities will include providing support to external experimenters using the OPS-SAT Space Lab, assisting in the development and execution of their experiments, and supervising tests on the spacecraft. The intern will also be involved in the preparation of spacecraft for upcoming missions, ensuring that experimenters are well-acquainted with the onboard systems and how to control the various sensors and payloads. Additionally, the intern will participate in the lifecycle of experiments, from initial development through testing and execution, gaining hands-on experience in mission operations and control.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. They must remain enrolled at their university for the entire duration of the internship. Proven experience in software development, particularly in Linux and Python, is essential. Experience with programming FPGAs, optical communication, or cubesat projects would be advantageous. A good understanding of the operational aspects of space missions and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams are also important.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a Master's degree in a relevant field such as aerospace engineering, computer science, physics, or a related discipline. The internship is designed for students who are nearing the completion of their studies, ensuring that they can apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting while contributing to ESA's mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have some proven experience in software development, particularly in environments such as Linux and Python. Any additional experience in programming FPGAs, optical communication, or cubesat projects would be considered a valuable asset. This experience will help the intern to effectively support the experimenters and contribute to the mission operations.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is required for the position. Knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse teams and experimenters.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position and is open to nationals from specific European countries and cooperating states. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. The agency provides necessary support for individuals with disabilities and ensures an inclusive working environment. Applications will be accepted until the closing date of 30 November 2024, and candidates are encouraged to apply early.